The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) essentially created another classification, taking all the schools that had been listed as “Class 1A”, renaming the classification “Rural”, then re-apportioning the rest of the schools over seven classes. A few schools moved into the class.  Quincy schools Munroe and Crossroad Academy, and Moore Haven moved down from last year’s 2A while Fort Meade and Marathon moved down from 3A.  Frustrating to see Hawthorne, Wildwood, and Williston in the same district again.  Maybe one day they will do this classification justice by taking the eight district winners and eight best non-district winners for a 16- team playoff that would have the best teams.  Also, heaven forbid there is a regional final between Marathon and Cedar Key.  What a nightmare of travel that would be

Favorite: Hilliard

In this classification, having the best player means a great deal.  With C.J. Ingram leaving Hawthorne for Montverde Academy, the top player now resides at Hilliard.  C.J. Hall, a 6’3 senior, was stellar in leading the team to last year’s title game.  He has looked very good at various events this spring and summer.  While Hilliard may have lost three double-figure scoring seniors from last year’s team, look for players such as sophomore D.J. Alderman and freshman King McMillan to step up their production with added opportunities.

Regional Favorites: Bethlehem (Region 1); Tallahassee Crossroad Academy (Region 2); Williston (Region 4)

Bethlehem in Bonifay Springs made the region semis last year starting four sophomores.  They bring over 40 points per game back this season, which should give them a leg up in a very competitive Region 1.  Crossroad Academy returns to this classification after being bumped up to 2A the past couple of seasons.  This group will use a three-point attack to go with speed and quickness on the defensive end to produce easy baskets.  Williston, a two-time defending champion, lost a great deal to graduation but some newcomers are expected to fill the gaps.  Their district includes Hawthorne and Wildwood, two programs always in the mix for playoff success.

Best Player: C.J. Hall, Hilliard

Hall averaged a team-high 14 and 7 last season and we can see both numbers going up.  He is a strong and fast athlete, can overpower smaller defenders and breeze past bigger ones on his way to the basket.  Hall plays either guard spot well.  He has a reliable jumper out to the arc, will finish above the rim, and does a good job of finding open teammates and getting them the ball for easy scores.

Pre-Season All-State: Hall; DeAndre Harvey (Williston); Jackson Welch (Malone); Kolton Anderson (Bethlehem); Taferi Moe (Fort White)

Harvey, a 6’3 junior, was a revelation this past summer on the team camp and travel team circuits.  He plays with great confidence, is explosive to the basket, and doesn’t take plays off at either end.  Welch, a 6’1 senior, averaged 18 points a game last season for a tradition-rich Malone squad.  Anderson, a 6’4 junior, was the leading scorer for a young Bethlehem team, averaging just over 19 points a contest.  Taferi Moe, a 6’2 senior, averaged 16 points a game for a strong Fort White team that fell just short of reaching Lakeland last year.

Better Than Advertised: Fort White

As mentioned, the Indians fell just short of reaching Lakeland last year.  The team loses a trio of productive seniors to graduation but with Moe and 6’0 junior Jayden Jackson providing a combined thirty points a contest, Fort White has a solid scoring punch that few can match.

Don’t Sleep On: Decorian Debose, Hawthorne

The 6’1 senior averaged ten points a game last season.  He should get many more opportunities with Ingram not in the picture.  We thought Debose played well at last season’s Kingdom of the Sun tournament.

PRE-SEASON “FAB FIVE”

1.Hilliard

2.Williston

3.Sneads

4.Crossroad Academy

5.Bonifay Bethlehem